adminPamela Shumba Chronicle Reporter
THE lives of thousands of people living with HIV and Aids are being put at risk by a new requirement by council-run clinics in Bulawayo for patients to take two CD4 cell tests annually before they can access their medicines.
Individuals who tested positive for HIV were previously referred to their local clinics, where they were given medication based on the initial CD4 cell count test.
But now patients say clinics require them to undergo tests every six months – putting pressure on the few centres in Bulawayo that have CD4 count machines which are struggling to cope.
A Cluster of Differentiation4 (CD4) cell count is a blood test to determine how healthy one’s immune system is and how well it is holding up against HIV.
CD4 cells are responsible for signalling other immune system cells to fight an infection in the body. They are also the prime target of HIV, which can cause the number of these cells to decrease over time. Too few CD4 cells means that the immune system will fail, leading to Aids.
HIV patients complain that CD4 cell counts, which cost $1 in public health institutions, was now only offered at the New Start Centre and Matabeleland Aids Council (MAC) in the city centre.
But both the New Start Centre and MAC are carrying out an average 10 tests daily each. Private health institutions offering the same tests, were charging between $35 and $60.
Bongani Maphala, from Entumbane, walked into the Chronicle newsroom on Tuesday to tell of his fears for his health.
“I’ve been trying to get my CD4 count at the New Start Centre since early December, but I’ve not been served as they are only attending to a limited number of people.
“I have tried going to the centre as early as 4AM but I’ve not been served,” he said.
“I need my CD4 count urgently because clinics need those results before prescribing medication to me. I can’t get ARVs without those results.”
The mother of two said she and her husband were both receiving antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and could not afford to go private.
“This is a threat to our health. I hope something will be done soon before people skip taking their drugs. Mpilo Central Hospital and United Bulawayo Hospitals only accept patients with referral letters. If you’re not referred, they tell you to go back to your local clinic,” she added.
MAC director Viola George said the city had a shortage of CD4 cell count machines and her organisation was not capacitated to meet the high demand for the service.
“We don’t turn away any clients because we’re mandated to complement the work being done by council clinics and government hospitals,” she said.
“The challenge we have, however, is that we’ve only one CD4 cell count machine that allows only eight clients per day. The demand for the service is high but with the few resources we have, we’ve reached our optimum level.”
To deal efficiently with the demand for CD4 cell tests, she called for more machines and staff.
The council’s director of health Dr Zanele Hwalima could not be reached for comment. Council spokesperson Nesisa Mpofu requested to have questions in writing.
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo